Expanding die for sizing, curling, and beading metal drums



Feb. 3, 1948. c. c. GROTNES 2,435,306

EXPANDING DIE FOR SIZING, CUBLING, AND BEADING METAL DRUIS Filed Dec.20, 1945 4 SheotQ-Sheet 1 2/6 v.2 I 1 H 2. 262: L bgj,

mvcm'oa Carl C. Grotncs ATTORNEYS Sheets-Sheet 2 c. c. GROTNES FiledDec. 20, 1945 Feb.;3, 1948.

EXPAIDIIIG DIS FOR SIZING, CURLING, AND BEADING IETAL DRUMS INVENTOR 663! Carl C. Grab/res w../2;w,u#w.

ATTORNEYS I Feb. 3, 1948. I c, c GRQTNES 2,435,306

EXPANDING DIE FOR SIZING, CURLING, AND BEADING METAL DRUMS v I FiledDec. 20, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 46 a a "f 57 INVEfiTOR Carl C. Grab/yesATTORNEYS Feb. 3, 1948. c c. GRQTNE'S EXPANDING DIE FOR SIZING, CURLING,AND BEADING METAL DRUMS 4 Sheds-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 20, 1945 INVENTORCarl C. rotnes r/ 1.4 #1

"ATTORNEY-S Patented Feb. 3, 1948 EXPANDING DIE FOR SIZING, CURLING, ANDREADING METAL DRUMS Carl C. Grotnes, Park Ridge, 111. ApplicationDecember 20, 1945, Serial No. 836,204

13 Claims.

The invention relates to metal working machines and more particularly tomachines for operating on sheet metal shells or drums.

One object of the invention is to. provide an improved machine of theabove general character adapted to perform a plurality of shapingoperation on a sheet metal shell or drum in a single operating cycle,thereby eliminating repeated handling of the shell and reducing thenumber of machines as well as the time required for the production ofthe finished article, all of which contribute to a substantial reductionin manufacturing costs.

Another object is to provide an improved machine for operating on sheetmetal shells in which the parts are arranged in a novel manner to fa.-

' cilitate the placement of the workpieces on the machine.

Another object is to provide improved means in a machine of thecharacter set forth whereby a plurality of annular forming dies requiredto perform the different shaping operations on a sheet metal shell aresupported and guided by a single supporting structure.

The invention also resides in the novel means provided for holding andpositioning the workpieces for successive operations and for controllingthe sequence and timing of such operations.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description of the preferred embodimentillustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a metal working machine embodyingthe features of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the machine taken in a vertical planesubstantially on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1 showing the position of theparts at the beginning of an operating cycle.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the die head similar to that shown in Fig.2 but showing the parts in the positions occupied in the first stage ofthe operating cycle.

Fig. 4 is another sectional view of the die head showing the parts inthe positions occupied in the second stage of the operating cycle.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 2 but showing the positionsvof the parts at the end of the operating cycle.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view showing the form and relationshipof the coacting cam and follower elements for actuating the sizing die.

Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view through the die head of themachine taken in a horizontal plane substantially on the line 1-1 ofFig. 5.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged transverse sectional view through the die head ofthe machine taken in a horizontal plane substantially on the line 8-8 ofFig. 5.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications andalternative constructions, I have shown in the drawings and will hereindescribe in detail the preferred embodiment, but it is to be understoodthat I do not thereby intend to limit the invention to the specific formdisclosed, but intend to cover all modifications and alternativeconstructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention asexpressed in the claims.

For purposes of illustration the invention has been shown as embodied ina machine for operating on cylindrical sheet metal blanks or shells illto form them for use in the manufacture of pails, drums, etc. The blanksor shells as supplied to the machine are plain cylinders ofapproximately the desired diameter. In each operating cycle of themachine a. shell is accurately sized, that is, expanded to the requireddiameter, trued up to circular cross section, a circumferentialoutwardly pressed bead i I formed therein, and one end of the shellformed with a. curled edge or head I2,

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings. the machine selected to illustratethe invention comprises generally a rigid frame or bed [5 supporting atits upper end a multiple die head l6 and a vertically movable table orplatform I1 carrying an annular edge curling die l8. The frame It alsosupports and encloses mechanism for actuating the dies of the head I 6and for shifting the table I! to render the curling die l8 effective,such mechanism including a horizontally disposed shaft l9 journaled inbearings 20 (Figs. 2 and 5) carried on opposite sides of the frame.

To facilitate placement of the shells I 0 thereon, the die head I8 issupported in a vertical position with its upper end free andunobstructed. This feature, together with the novel arrangement andrelationship of the dies included in the head 66 and the edge curlingdie i8 which serve to automatically position the shell for the differentforming operations, substantially reduces the labor required foroperating the machine and materially increases its productive capacity.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the die head [6 includestwo independently operable sets of forming dies each comprising anannular series of die elements supported and guided for radial movementby a common supporting plate 25 rigidly mounted at the top of the framei5. In the exemplary machine the die head is provided with one set ofdie elements 26 (Figs. 2-5 and 8) for sizing and shaping the shell l0,and a second set of die elements 21 (Figs. 2-5 and 7) operable to formthe bead l I in the shell.

As will be seen by reference to Figs. 4 and 8 of the drawings, the dieelements 26 comprise rigid metal blocks segmental in cross section andelongated axially to extend from the bead II to the remote end of theshell Ill. The outer face of each die block is formed on a radiuscorresponding to that of the finished shell so that when the blocks areshifted radially outwardly or expanded to their limit positions the setof die blocks presents a substantially cylindrical surface of therequired derstood that the width of each block is such that the entireseries may be shifted radially inwardly or contracted to a diametersubstantially smaller than that of the blank or shell l so that thelatter may be telescoped thereover without interference.

Fixed to the upper end of each die block 26 is a segmental stop element28 having its forward edge projecting over the face of the die block.The stop elements are dimensioned so that they project only slightlybeyond the blocks 26 so as not to interfere with the placement of theshell III on the die head when the sizing die is contracted, whileforming an annular abutment 29 engageable by the end of the shell whenthe die set is either fully or partially expanded. The abutment thusformed serves to limit the endwise movement of the shell relative to thedie head for purposes to appear presently.

Support for the die blocks 26 is provided by a diameter. It will be un-Referring to Figs. 7 and 8 of the drawings it will be observed that theupright sections 40 of the die block supports are segmental in crosssection and that each is formed with a narrow vertically disposedinwardly tapering rib 45 adapted to fit between the upright sections 30of a companion setof die block supports. The latter are also ofrelatively narrow width and taper inwardly so that ample space isprovided for the installation of the two independently operating diesets on the single mounting plate 25.

Novel actuating means is provided for actuating the die sets abovedescribed in predetermined series of L-shaped supporting members eachhaving an upright die carrying section and a horizontal base section 35.The die block is removably secured as by machine screws 32 (Fig. 8) to'the upright section of each member which is provided on its front facewith an undercut shoulder 33 (Fig. 2) adapted to coact with acomplemental shoulder 34 on the rear face of the die block to accuratelylocate the block thereon.

The base sections 3! of the supporting membars are slidably received inradially disposed guide slots 35 formed in the upper face of the plate25. Segmental retaining plates 36 (Fig. '7) secured to the plate 25overlap the side edges of the sections 3| to hold the parts in assembledrelation, the said side edges of the sections being recessed toaccommodate the retaining plates.

Means is provided for yieldably urging the die blocks 26 and theirsupporting members inwardly to a retracted position in which the outerfaces of the die blocks present a cylindrical surface of minimumdiameter. As herein shown, this means comprises a pair of annularsprings 37 (Figs. 2 and 8) encircling the upright sections 30 of thesupporting members. The springs are preferably spaced upright axially ofseated in suitable recesses 38 formed in faces of the upright sections.

The die elements 2? of the beading die are herein located immediatelybelow the die elements 2S and are carried by somewhat similar L.- shapedsupporting members each having an upright section 46 (Figs. 2 and 7)upon which the die element is mounted and a horizontal base secthe frontthe members and are tion 4!. The base sections ti are slidable inradially disposed guide slots 12 in the plate. 25, such slots beinginterposed alternately between the guide slots 35 for the sizing diesupporting members. As in the case of the base sections 3i, basesections it are recessed along their side edges for serve to hold thesupports in assembled relation with the guide plate 25. An annularspring 63 encircling the upright sections 3B and seated in. recesses fittherein yieldably urges the heading die elements and their supportsinwardly to the contracted position. v

' cooperation with the retaining plates 36 which timed relation. Suchactuation consists in shifting the die elements radially outwardly fromthe retracted positions in which they are normally held by the springs3'? and 43. The arrangement is such that the die elements 26 are firstactuated to size and shape the shell [0 and are then retractedsuiiiciently to free the shell for upward movement against the abutment29 under the action of the curling die i8. Following the curling of thelower edge of the shell by the latter die, the die elements 27 areactuated to form the bead l2. Finally, all of the parts are returned tonormal rest position to allow the completely formed shell to be removedfrom the machine.

The means for actuating the sizing and beading die sets as herein shownincludes a drawbar 48 extending axially between the die block supportsof the die sets and guided for vertical movement by a sleeve member 8'!carried by the supporting plate 25. The drawbar is arranged to bereciprocated by suitable power driven means herein shown as including acam or eccentric 48' rigid with the shaft 89. r The eccentric $8 isfitted with a yoke 49 to which the lower end of the bar is pivotallysecured as 'by a cross pin 50.

For actuation of the sizing die set, the bar 46 is provided with a pairof annular cams 5i spaced apart axially of the bar and adapted to coactwith hardened follower plates 52 carried on the rear faces of theupright sections 30 of the die supporting members. The cams are held invertically spaced relation on the bar by means of an annular spacer 53interposed between them and a stop nut 53' fastened on the end of thedrawbar holds the cams and spacer in assembled ly steep so that the dieblocks 26 are shifted outwardly relatively rapidly as the cam surfacesride downwardly over the follower surfaces in the initial movements ofthe drawbar. blocks reach their outer limit positions as the crests ofthe cams pass over the crests of the follower plates.

In the further movement of the drawbar, the cam surfaces 55 ride downthe sloping follower surfaces 51 permitting retraction of the die blocksby their springs 31. It will be observed that the slopes of the surfaces55 and 57 are less steep than the companion surfaces with the resultthat the retracting movements of the die block are effected at a slowerrate than their expansion. In practice the cam and follower sur- The dieI faces 65 and 51 are shaped so as to permit the die blocks to beretracted suiiiciently to free the shell ID for axial movement on thedie head while maintaining the abutment 29 in position to be engaged bythe end of the shell while the curling die I 8 is performing itsoperation.

Actuation of the beading die set is eil'ected by a cam member 58 mountedon the drawbar 46 below the bottom cam 5| and spaced therefrom by asuitable washer. To provide clearance for the upright die supports 30 ofthe sizing die, the body of the cam 58 is formed with a series ofvertical slots 59 (Figs. 5 and 8) while the intervening portions areformed with sloping cam sur-- faces 60 (Figs. 2-5) adapted to engagehardened wear plates 6| mounted on the rear faces of the die supports40. The slope of the cam surfaces 60 and the wear plates BI is such thatthe die ele ments 2! are shifted into engagement with the shell limmediately after the curling of the edge 12 of the shell is completed.Outward movement of the die blocks is continued and the blocks reachtheir outer limit positions substantially at the end of the downwardmovement of the drawbar 46 thus pressing out or expanding the bead H andcompleting the formation of the shell in the downward stroke of thedrawbar.

As indicated above, the curling die I8 is actuated intermediate theactuation of the sizing and beading die sets. The curling die, as shown,comprises an annulus 65 having a radially projecting flange 66 at itslower end. An annular groove 6'! in the upper face of the flange closelyadjacent the annulus 65 is adapted to receive the edge of the shell and,in the upward movement of the table ll, the shell is curled into arounded bead as shown in Fig. 5. V

As previously stated, the curling die I8 is mounted on the upper face ofthe table IT. The table I1 is apertured as at 68 (Figs. 2 and 5) toprovide clearance for the die head l6. Fixed at opposite ends of thetable are depending end members 69 adapted to slide between spacedvertical guide rails (Figs. 1 and '7) rigid with the machine base. Thetable is thus guided in its vertical movements between the positionshown in Figs. 2 and 5 of the 'drawings wherein the curling die I8 isshifted from the normal rest position to the operative position.

To coordinate the actuation of the curling die 18 with the actuation ofthe sizing and beading dies, provision is made for raising and lowerinthe table I! through the medium of the shaft H! which actuates suchdies. For this purpose, the shaft is provided at opposite ends withsuitably shaped cam H adapted to coact with follower rollers 12 carriedby the end members 69. As shown in Figs. 2 and 5, the lower end of eachmember 69 is formed with a semi-cylindrical recess or compartment 13having spaced side walls for supporting a shaft 14 upon which the roller72 is journaled. The rollers are arranged to rest directly on the cams Hwhich thus provide support for the table 41 and impart the requiredvertical movement thereto in the rotation of the shaft l9.

Suitable means is provided for driving the shaft 19 through a singlerevolution in each operating cycle of the machine. In the particularmachine illustrated, the shaft is arranged to be driven through a pairof gears keyed thereto on opposite sides of the eccentric 48 (Figs. 2and 5) and meshing with pinions carriedby a drive shaft 76 (Fig. 1).Control mechanism for limiting the rotation of the shaft to a singlerevolution in 6 each cycle may be associated with the drive shaft .inwell known manner.

In the operation of the machine a plain cylindrical shell I II to beoperated on is slipped over the die head 46, passing over the contractedstop .die through the medium of the cams El and followers 52. Moreparticularly the die blocks are forced outwardly to the position shownin Fig. 3 thus shaping the shell to true circular cross section andexpanding it to the required diameter. The sizing and truing operationis completed as the crests of the cams 5| pass the crests of thefollowers 52.

Continued movement of the drawbar 46 carries the cam faces 55 over theinclined follower surfaces 51 which, as previously explained, areinclined to permit limited retraction of the die blocks 26. Thisretraction is suflicient to release the shell Ill for movement axiallyof the die head against the abutment 29 which is maintained in blockingrelation to the end of the shell during this portion of the machinecycle.

The cams II are timed so as to raise the table I1 and curling die l8immediately after the shell I0 is released, whereby the shell is forcedupwardly until blocked by the abutment 29. Continued upward movement ofthe curling die causes it to perform its edge curling function while theshell is held stationary, by the abutment 29.

Throughout the downward movement of the drawbar 46 the beading dieelements 21 are shifted outwardly by the action of the cam 58. Theextent of movement required to bring the heading die elements intoengagement with the shell is such that the engagement takes placesubstantially upon the completion of the edge curling operation. At thistime the shell is sup ported and rigidly held between the curling die l8and the abutment 29 thus positioning the shell with a high degree ofaccuracy for the formation of the bead H. The final movements of thedrawbar of course are effective to shift the die elements 21 outwardlyto the position shown in Fig. 5 to expand the bead II in the shell.

As the shaft l9 turns through the second half of its cycle of revolutionthe drawbar 46 and the die element actuated thereby are returned tonormal position. At the same time the table 11 and curling/die I8 arereturned to their normal rest positions. At the completion of the cyclethe dies of the die head are completely retracted so that the completelyformed shell is released and may be lifted from the die head andreplaced by a new shell to be'operated on.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the invention provides ametal working machine of novel and advantageous character particularlyproved machine also embodies means for controlling v of such operations.

' radially projecting radially projecting abutment at one .ments andoperative in one the movement of the table for curling the The inventionalso provides a novel die head construction wherein a plurality ofindependently operable annular die sets are supported and. guided by acommon supporting member. The imnovel means for holding and positioningthe workpieces orshells with respect to the die elements during thevarious shaping operations together with novel I claim as myinvention: 1. In a machine of the class described, in combination, asizing die comprising a plurality of axially elongated die elementsarranged in a circular series and supported for radial movement, meanscarried by said die elements forming a abutment at one end of the die,means normally holding said die elements in a retracted position tocondition the die for receiving a sheet metal shell to be operated on,an edge curling die supported adjacent the other end of said sizingdiefor movement toward and from the same, and actuating means operatingsuccessively to shift said die elements radially outwardly to expand theshell to predetermined dimensions and then to force said curling dieagainst the end of the shell to curl the edge thereof, saidactuatingmeans releasing said die elements for partial retraction afterthe sizing operation to permit the shell to move into engagement withsaid abutment when engaged by saidcurling die.

2. In a machine-of the class described, in combination, a sizing diecomprising a plurality of ing the shell, a die frame adjacent theotherend of said die head radially movable die elements for sizing andshapelement supported on said for movementaxially thereof against theadjacent end of the shell, abutment means adjacent the free end of saiddie head retractable radially to permit placement of the shell on thedie head i and adapted to be moved into a position to prelo the sequenceand timing vent movement of the shell relative to said die head by saidaxially movable die element, and cyclically operable means for actuatingsaid die elements and positioning said abutment means. i 5. In a machineof the class described, in combination, a frame, a die head mounted onsaid frame with onelend unobstructed to facilitate the placement of asheet metal shell thereon, said die head including independentlyoperable sizing and beading dies, an edge curling die supported on saidframe adjacent the other end of said die head for movement axiallythereof into engagement with the end of the shell, retractable abutmentmeans adjacent the free end of said head for holding the shell againstendwi'se movement during the operation of said curling die, means foractuating said dies in predetermined "timed relation comprising acyclically driven axially elongated die elements arranged in a circularseries and supported for radial movement, means carried by said dieelements forming a end of the die, means normally holding said dieblocks in a retracted position to conditiorrthe die for receiving asheet metal shell to be operated on, and actuating means for said membermovable axially of the series of die eleportion of its movement to shiftthe die elements outwardly for expanding the shell to predetermined sizeand operative in another portion of its movement to permit limitedretraction of the die elements whereby to release the shell therefromwhile maintaining said abutment in position for engagement with the endof the shell.

3. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a frame, agenerally cylindrical die head mounted in an upright position on saidframe to receive a sheet metal shell in telescoping relation, a tabledisposed adjacent the lower end of said die head, means on said framesupporting and guiding said table for movement axially of said die head,an annular die element supported on said table in coaxial alinement withsaid die head, said head including a plurality of independently operabledie sets for shaping the shell, and said die element being operative inedge of the shell, and radially retractable abutment means carried bysaid die head for holding the shell against endwise movement during theoperation of said die element.

4. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a frame, agenerally cylindrical die head mounted on said frame with one end freeand unobstructed to facilitate the placement of a sheet metal shellthereon, said head including sizing die including a means inpredetermined timed relation, and a cyclically operable shaft fordriving said actuatshaft, an. actuator operable by said shaft, camscarried by said actuator for actuating said sizing and heading dies insuccession and for position ing said abutment means for engagement bytheshell, andother cam means carried by said shaft for'actuating saidcurling die, said cam means being constructed and arranged to efiect theactuation of said curling die and the positioningof said abutment meansintermediate the actuation of said sizing and heading dies.

6. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a frame, a diehead mounted on said frame. with one end unobstructed to facilitate theplacement ofv a sheet metal shell thereon, said die head includingindependently operable sizing and heading dies, an edge curling diesupported on said frame adjacent the other end of said die head formovement axially thereof against-the end of the shell, retractableabutment means carried by said-head for holding the shell againstendwise movement during the operation of said curling die, and means foractuating said dies and said abutment means in predetermined timedrelation to first expand the shell to predetermined size, to curl oneedge of the shell, to form a circumferential bead therein, and finallyto release the shell for removal from the machine.

'7'. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a frame, a diehead mounted on said frame with one end unobstructed to facilitate theplacement of a sheet metal shell thereon, aid die head includingindependently operable sizing and heading dies, an edge curling diesupported on said frame adjacent the other end of said die head formovement axially thereof against'the inner end of the shell, normallyinactive abutment means adapted to be positioned.

for engagement by the outer end of the shell the operation of saidcurling die, means for actuating said dies and positioning said abutmenting means.

8. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a generallycylindrical die head including a first set of axially elongatedsegmental die blocks arranged in an annular series, a second set ofsegmental die blocks arranged in an annular series adjacent one end ofsaid first set and coaxially alined therewith, means supporting saidsets of die blocks for independent radial movement including ageneral-1y L-shaped supporting member for each die block, said dieblocks being mounted on the upright sections of said.

members, and a supporting plate having a series of radially disposedguide slots fOr slidably receiving the base sections of said members.

9. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a plurality ofgenerally L-shaped die supporting members arranged in a circular series,each of said members having an upright die supporting section and anoutwardly projecting base section, segmental die elements mounted on theupright sections of alternate ones of said members to present asubstantially continuous cylindrical surface, die elements mounted onthe upright sections of the other members presenting a substantiallycontinuous annular ridge adjacent the end of said cylindrical surfaceand coaxially alined therewith, and means supporting and guiding saidmembers for independent radial movement comprising a generally circularsupporting plate having a plurality of radially disposed slots forslidably receiving the base sections of said members.

10. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a generallycylindrical die head including a first set of axially elongatedsegmental die blocks arranged in an annular series, a second set ofsegmental die blocks arranged in an annular series adjacent one end ofsaid first set and coaxially alined therewith, and a single stationarymember for directly supporting and guiding each set of die blocks forindependent radial movement,

11. In a machine of the class described, in combination, an annularlyarranged set of sizing die elements, an annularly arranged set of headexpanding die elements disposed in axial alinement with said sizing dieelements, a member for supporting each die element, and a singlesupporting plate for directly supporting and guiding said members forindependent radial movement.

12. In a machine of the class described, in

combination, a frame, a generall cylindrical die head mounted in anupright position on said frame to receive a sheet metal shell intelescoping relation, a table disposed adjacent the lower end of saiddie head, means'on said frame supporting and guiding said table formovement axially of said die head, an annular dle element supported onsaid table in coaxial alinement with saiddie head, said die element beinoperative in the movement of said table to curl the edge of the shellheld by said head, and means for actuating the dies of said head toblock the shell against axial movement and for subsequently moving saidtable to effect said edge curling operation.

13. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a frame, agenerally cylindrical die head mounted in an upright position on saidframe to receive a sheet metal shell in telescoping relation, a tablemounted on said frame adjacent the lower end of said die head, anannular die element supported on said table in coaxial alinement withsaid die head, and means for actuating the dies of said head and forshifting said table, said annular die acting initially to position theshell for action by the dies of said head and the dies of said headacting subsequently to position the shell for action by said circulardie.

CARL C. GROTNES.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES. PATENTS Number Name Date 2,113,257 Schwartz Apr, 5, 19381,645,971 Riegel Oct. 18, 1927 1,493,502 Riegel May 13, 1924 1,355,351Norquist Oct. 12, 1920 2,159,900 Le Jeune et al May 23, 1939 1,011,193Hackney Dec. 12, 1911 354,568 Norton et al Dec. 21, 1886 1,959,369Kronquest et a1 May 22, 1934 2,211,009 Grotnes Aug. 13, 1940

